The 2021 James Beard Foundation Gala

6:30 P.M. Reception and Silent Auction
8:00 P.M. Dinner and Live Auction

Honoring

Edward Lee and Lindsey Ofcacek, Co-founders, The LEE Initiative, for their commitment to a more equitable, sustainable restaurant industry

and

Jodie W. McLean, CEO, EDENS, for her outstanding support in initiating the Foundation's Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership program

The 2021 James Beard Foundation Gala will celebrate the chefs and other culinary leaders who make our collective future more equitable, sustainable, and delicious. In light of the challenges of the past year—and our dedication to ensure that the culinary industry survives, rebuilds, and thrives in the wake of the pandemic—the event will highlight our Open for Good campaign and the inspiring chefs who channel leadership, vision, integrity, resilience, and hope. Throughout the evening, we will also spotlight our revitalized focus on impact-driven work, including our Women’s Leadership programs, Advocacy, and new Racial Equity initiatives.

Black-tie attire suggested

Gala Chefs

Host Chef
Ashfer Biju
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, NYC

Host Pastry Chef
Michael Mignano
Farine Baking Company, NYC

Ann Ahmed
Khâluna, Minneapolis

Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R.
Whipped - Urban Dessert Lab, NYC

Valerie Chang
Itamae, Miami

Gregory Gourdet
Kann, Portland, OR

Nya Marshall
IVY Kitchen + Cocktails, Detroit

JBF Award Winner
Ana Sortun 
Oleana, Cambridge, MA

Saran Toby
Provisions Café, Germantown, MD

Event Chairs

Vice Chairs

Auctioneer

Subyn Novelle

Support Levels

Chair: $25,000
Premium seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards. Access to exclusive Leadership reception during the event with Champagne toast hosted by JBF CEO, Clare Reichenbach. Each guest receives a mask, custom Hedley & Bennet apron, and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Prominent listing as Event Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a full-page ad in the event program. Two complimentary Beard Box meal kits (Dinner for 4) to an upcoming Beard House Fellows event, exclusively for table donors.

Vice Chair: $20,000
Premium seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards. Access to exclusive Leadership reception during the event with Champagne toast hosted by JBF CEO, Clare Reichenbach. Each guest receives a mask and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Prominent listing as Vice Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a half-page ad in the event program.

Benefactor: $15,000
Priority seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards, with access to general reception. Each guest receives a mask and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Listing as Benefactor on all collateral materials and on-screen.

Supporter: $7,500 (SOLD OUT)
Preferred dinner seating for 10, with access to general reception. Listing as Supporter on all collateral materials and on-screen.

Patron: $3,000 (SOLD OUT)
Preferred dinner seating for 6, with access to general reception. Listing as Patron on all collateral materials and on-screen.

*Due to the impact of COVID-19, ticket level options are limited for 2021.

Table purchases are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, less $335 per guest for food and beverage served.